Providence, R.I. – Governor Lincoln D. Chafee and Rosemary Booth Gallogly, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Revenue, today announced the appointment of Steven Hartford as Receiver for the Central Coventry Fire District (CCFD). The move comes as Judge Stern has ordered the district to liquidate its assets to pay its creditors by May 16.
Recently passed legislation expands the state Fiscal Stability Act to give the Director of Revenue the authority to name a receiver to oversee the finances of a local fire district. The Central Coventry Fire District has been under court supervision since October 2012 with Richard J. Land as the court-appointed Special Master. He has been overseeing the district's finances.
"This is a critical public safety issue, and I feel strongly that Steve will act swiftly in this effort to stabilize the Central Coventry Fire District," Governor Chafee said. "He has been working with the fire district for the past three months, and he understands the issues. He is an attorney, and he recently was the manager of a large municipality. I believe he is well-suited for this task."
"My staff has worked in the past to restructure government obligations in order to produce sustainable budgets," Booth Gallogly said. "While it is unfortunate that state intervention is necessary, we will work with Steve as a Receiver to develop a five-year plan for the district that addresses the accumulated debts."
"I am ready to take on this challenge, and I am prepared to devote the necessary time to see this through to a successful conclusion," Governor Chafee's Policy Director Hartford said. "This issue is an important one for the Governor, and I appreciate that the Governor has confidence in me."
Hartford will be on loan from the Governor's office and will be working closely with the finance and legal professionals at the Department of Revenue. He will not earn any additional reimbursement for his role as Receiver, and he will continue to be paid from the Office of the Governor's budget.
Governor Chafee added, "During my administration, I have loaned several talented, high-level state employees to take on critical temporary assignments with great success. I have full confidence in Steve."
Governor Chafee complimented Land's work on behalf of the residents of Coventry. He said, "I personally thank Richard for the time, energy and dedication he put in to try and avoid imminent liquidation."